Spring for prolonged grief disorder (PGD)

Spring PGD is an eight-step guided digital therapy designed for the treatment of prolonged grief disorder (PGD).

Based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Spring PGD was developed and refined in collaboration with individuals with lived experience of PGD and experts in the field.

The approach aims to reduce the need for extensive therapist contact by delivering evidence-based therapeutic techniques and activities digitally, with regular guidance and support from a therapist. The programme aims to alleviate distress, help individuals find positive ways to remember their loved ones, and support them in leading meaningful lives that honour those memories.

Programme Structure

The eight steps cover:

Step 1: Understanding PGD

This introduction to PGD features four characters, portrayed by actors, each sharing their unique experiences of PGD related to different types of bereavement.

Step 2: Looking after yourself

Participants learn about self-care with a focus on mindfulness, grounding techniques, and relaxation exercises.

Step 3: The story of your loss

This step focuses on gradually working through and reprocessing memories of the loss.

Step 4: Remembering the person you lost

Participants are guided through techniques to actively engage with positive memories of their loved one.

Step 5: Re-engaging with life

This step helps participants identify their values and gradually engage in pleasurable or meaningful activities.

Step 6: Thoughts and feelings

Cognitive techniques are introduced to help participants challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts.

Step 7: Honouring the loss

This step helps participants identify unhelpful ways of honouring their loved one and explore meaningful alternatives, such as creating a memory jar or a memorial.

Step 8: The future

This final step consolidates lessons learned throughout the programme and provides strategies for managing grief in the future.

Features

Interactive content: Each step is accompanied by audio narration, with key information and visuals displayed on screen. Participants’ input directly influences the feedback they receive, and branching screens allow for flexible navigation. A bookmarking feature ensures users can easily return to where they left off.
Character case studies: The programme features four characters, each portrayed by actors, representing individuals with PGD. Video content tracks their progress through each step, providing relatable examples of how individuals might navigate Spring PGD.
Toolkit: A dedicated area provides easy access to key programme components and information input by users. The tools encourage engagement with CBT-based techniques and meaningful ways to honour a loved one’s memory, such as writing a narrative about the loss and creating a virtual memory jar.
Clinician dashboard: The clinician dashboard provides therapists with real-time data on participant engagement and progress through the programme. This data allows therapists to tailor their support during guidance sessions, addressing specific needs and ensuring participants stay on track with the digital materials.
Information for family and friends: A helpful leaflet is available for family and friends, providing information on PGD and an overview of the Spring PGD programme. This resource helps loved ones better understand the condition and learn how to support the participant during treatment.

Therapist Guidance

Initial meeting: A one-hour introductory session with a therapist helps establish rapport, assess the participant’s experiences with PGD, provide login details, and offer a full demonstration of the programme.
Follow-up sessions: Four bi-weekly meetings, each lasting 30 minutes, offer continuous support to participants, helping them remain engaged and effectively tackle any challenges they may face.
Ongoing support: In addition to the meetings, participants receive four brief check-ins by phone or email between sessions to discuss their progress, resolve issues, and set new goals.
Therapist manual: A comprehensive therapist manual ensures the programme can be delivered in a standardised and structured way. It provides detailed instructions and guidelines, enabling therapists to deliver Spring PGD consistently and effectively.

Accessibility

The Spring programmes are designed for use on various devices, including PCs, laptops, tablets, and smart phones.

Lewis, C., Smalley, M., Kitchiner, N. J., Roberts, N. P. and Bisson, J. I. 2025. Co-production of Spring PGD: a guided digital therapy for prolonged grief disorder (PGD). European Journal of Psychotraumatology 16, article number: 2551402.

Lewis, C., Smalley, M., Phillips, D. M., Dattero Snell, G., Thomas, B., Wong Sing Yun, J. and Bisson, J. I. 2025. Spring PGD versus waiting list control in the treatment of prolonged grief disorder (PGD): protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT). European Journal of Psychotraumatology 16, article number: 2554031. (10.1080/20008066.2025.2554031)